Best tax software with easy help
Nowadays, people can file their taxes with software, and thank goodness for that! Preparing your returns by yourself takes so much time and effort, and you’re more likely to make mistakes. Thankfully, downloading tax preparation software just takes a few clicks.
It can still be overwhelming if you’re not into using computer programs. Fortunately, some of the best software provides customer support, ranging from live chat to video calls. Even better, this article will provide you with a few recommendations.
That’s why we will kick things off with a list of the best programs available on the internet. After that, I will show you how they work and go through their pros and cons. That way, you can choose the best options yourself.
Here are the tax computer programs we will discuss:
- TurboTax – Overall best tax software
- H&R Block – Tax software with the best free version
- TaxSlayer – Best tax software for experienced users
#1. TurboTax – Overall Best Tax Software
The new TurboTax Live offers you live CPA or EA advice so you can file confidently from the comfort of your own home. https://t.co/FDC87DKvJc pic.twitter.com/2dCLb7tJ5m
— Intuit TurboTax (@turbotax) February 16, 2018
Pros:
- Easy-to-use
- Tax support upgrades are available
- Live assist and DIY plans
Cons:
- Paying for other tax support options
- State filing fees are high
- Most expensive option
When it comes to tax needs, Intuit’s got it! That’s why it provides taxpayers with TurboTax Live, the most helpful tax prep software right now. What makes it so great for taxpayers?
You get to choose your filing options. If this is your first time filing returns using a computer program, you may choose the question & answer option.
It will ask a bunch of questions and present you with answers that should match your tax situation. That way, it can find the right forms for your needs.
This is a handy feature, especially because finding the right ones can be a hassle. On the other hand, some people prefer to have an online form that’s easy to fill out.
TurboTax Live also lets you do that. What’s more, it can provide you with even more assistance by letting you speak with their tax professionals via live chat.
If you need even more help, you may schedule a video call with TurboTax staff from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. You may even share your screen so that they can use it as a visual aid.
Let’s say you’re having trouble filling out certain information. The TurboTax representative may point at the part while explaining how it works.
If you want to save yourself the hassle, you could get TurboTax to do it for you. The Xpert Full Service provides this assistance for $99 to $279.95 with additional state fees.
Read More: The Best Business Accounting Software
TurboTax Payment Plans
It has a free version, but it’s just for simple tax returns and student loans. Specifically, you may file 1040 Tax Forms and one state return for free. You can’t arrange itemized deductions or file schedules, though.
Meanwhile, TurboTax Live has four paid options: Live Basic, Deluxe, Premier, and Self-Employed. The first one is similar to the free version, except it gives a tax expert, advice, and final review access.
Deluxe is the best choice for small business owners. It lets you file business income and itemize and claim tax credits and deductions. Premier is best suited for investors.
It lets you report investments in assets such as stocks and cryptocurrency. As the name suggests, the Self-Employed Plan provides special features for freelancers. Here’s an overview of their prices:
- Deluxe – $119 + state fees
- Premier – $169 + state fees
- Self-employed – $199 + state fees
You may also buy the TurboTax CD or download the tax software. Note that they only provide customer support via phone call. Here are the prices for each version:
- Basic – $40 + state fees
- Deluxe – $70 + state fees
- Premier – $100 + state fees
- Self-employed – $110 + state fees
#2. H&R Block – Tax software with the best free version
Whether you need help online or in person, it’s time to get your taxes done. Our tax pros are standing by so make an appointment today. https://t.co/SLFJ69b61S pic.twitter.com/PhnwFVwLS9
— H&R Block (@HRBlock) January 4, 2022
Pros:
- Great for folks with simple returns who need free tax prep tools
- Provides a lot of filing options
- Provides live support even in the free version
Cons:
- You may want to look elsewhere if you want an affordable version for complex tax returns.
Tax codes have become overly complicated over the years, even for the regular taxpayer. While tax preparation programs are available, the regular taxpayer still has insufficient options.
If they need more features, they would have to pay more money. Unfortunately, they may end up paying for included features that they don’t need.
That’s why the tool from H&R Block is a welcome addition to this list of the best tax prep software. The free online version lets you file the following:
- Earned Income Credit (EITC)
- Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- Deductions from student payments, tuition, and loan interest
- Retirement income
Meanwhile, you could add online assistance to the Basic Plan for $39.99. Like TurboTax, you get on-demand help from a tax professional via live chat, screen-share, or phone call.
H&R Block is more affordable since TurboTax charges $119 for similar features. Even better, it charges $0.00 for state filings. Meanwhile, H&R has three paid versions: Deluxe, Premium, and Self-Employed.
Deluxe is a good choice for individual taxpayers. Premium will likely suit you if you’re a freelancer, rental property owner, investor, or contractor. The last one is for self-employed people with offices and/or employees.
H&R Block payment plans
Let’s take a look at their costs for the online service:
- Deluxe Online – $29.99 + $36.99 pers state filing
- Premium Online – $49.99 + $36.99 per state filing
- Self-Employed Online – $89.99 + $36.99 per state filing
Next, here are the prices for H&R Block’s online assist versions:
- Deluxe Online Assist – $69.99 + $36.99 pers state filing
- Premium Online Assist – $109.99 + $36.99 per state filing
- Self-Employed Online Assist – $144.99 + $36.99 per state filing
If you’re the DIY type of guy, you may also download the H&R Block tax software on your computer:
- Basic Tax Software – $19.95
- Deluxe Tax Software – $44.95
- Premium Tax Software – $64.95
- Premium & Business Tax Software – $79.95
#3. TaxSlayer – Best tax software for experienced users
Join the millions – choose TaxSlayer and file fearlessly today! Head to https://t.co/BbG12AvUer to get started. pic.twitter.com/QxIjGGYSf8
— TaxSlayer (@TaxSlayer) January 7, 2022
Pros:
- Best for taxpayers on a budget who need affordable help
- Great for people who are used to filing taxes by themselves
- Active military service members who need a cheap tax prep tool
Cons:
- High-income earners looking for an option that offers free services should look elsewhere.
- No downloadable tax prep program for regular taxpayers
- Not a good choice for those who want a free tax preparation service to claim tax credits
Perhaps you’re used to filing taxes. You’ve done this several times, so you don’t need someone to hold your hand through the process. Maybe you just want straightforward tax prep software.
In that case, TaxSlayer might be the best tax software for you. The free version lets you file your federal and first state returns for free. You may also import last year’s returns from a different tax service.
What’s more, TaxSlayer’s Simply Free version will try to maximize your refund by deducting student loan interest and education credits. It also comes with email and phone support during tax season.
Unfortunately, it has a few strict limitations. The Simply Free version is available if you meet the following criteria:
- Your taxable income is below $100,000
- You don’t include dependent claims
- The types of income you earn are salaries, wages, tips, the taxable interest of $1,500, and/or unemployment compensation.
- You file for the standard deduction.
You don’t have to deal with these restrictions if you’re active-duty military personnel. TaxSlayer will file your federal return for $0, covering all tax situations.
TaxSlayer payment plans
It also provides paid tax prep services with three tiers: Classic, Premium, and Self-Employed. The first one covers the most basic needs for simple tax returns.
You may need the Premium plan to file more complicated returns. As the name suggests, Self-Employed is for freelancers.
All three plans come with unlimited tax pro assistance via email or phone. What’s more, TaxSlayer can also provide help if you get audited by the IRS. Read the following for a list of their prices:
- Classic – $17.95 + state fees
- Premium – $37.95 + state fees
- Self-Employed – $47.95 + state fees
TaxSlayer also has a downloadable tax software program, but only for professionals. Its website reminds people that it is not for filing personal tax returns.
How Tax Software Works
It’s easy to forget how convenient choosing from the best tax software is. Back then, people may only file taxes manually. That means getting the right forms and filling them out themselves.
Then, you have to compile all the financial documents you need, such as your paychecks and invoices. After that, you had to whip out the calculator and start crunching numbers.
It can be confusing to place the right info in the right sections. If you make too many mistakes, you will likely have to make a new one. Worse, you could get the math wrong!
Fortunately, tax prep tools solve these problems by letting you type the answers. This means you can delete stuff without damaging the form.
What’s more, it will calculate your returns for you. Place the required numbers, and it will give results with all the factors considered. Tax preparation programs are usually form-based or interview-based.
The types determine how users fill out the software. The best tax software on our list also falls into the same categories:
- Interview-based software guides you through the filing process by asking questions. Then, you select an answer from the list of choices it provides.
- Form-based software just gives you the form you need. You just have to place the required information, and the tool will crunch all the numbers for you.
Pros of Using Certain Softwares for Taxes
We’ve already established the main advantages of tax software: speed and convenience. Now, let’s look at the other benefits of using tax preparation software:
- It’s much cheaper to use software instead of hiring a tax preparer. You will have to pay at least $220 for their services. On the other hand, tax prep tools can cover your needs much cheaper.
- Look back at the list of the best tax software, and you’ll see that they all provide some form of customer support. This is important when people struggle with using the software or completing the forms.
- The tools can inform you how to file your taxes more affordably. It lets you see the results when you switch between filing conditions.
- The software might even find more tax incentives that you may have missed.
Cons of Tax Software
Even the best tax preparation software has its faults. The ones we covered may seem specific to our examples. That’s why we will explore the other disadvantages of tax prep tools below:
- You can’t cover all the filing needs of each user. Even the best tax software can’t get past some limitations.
- Remember that your tax software is only as good as the data you provide. Place the wrong info, and it will give you erroneous results.
- Some tax prep software only has email and phone support. That’s not ideal if you need more hands-on assistance.
- The software can only serve your immediate filing needs. If you want to plan the next tax years, you will have to speak with a tax professional.
How to Choose the Right Tax Software
Tax preparation tools still allow you to file taxes conveniently and quickly. It’s just that you have to find the one that matches your needs. Here’s how to do it:
- Understand the kinds of taxes you will file.
- Research your options for tax products and services.
- Narrow your choices by choosing the ones that have your other needs.
- Read user reviews about them. They might tell you of certain issues that you won’t read on the tax software’s website.
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Final Thoughts
Remember to find the best tax software that has the quality you want. You will be filing taxes for the rest of your life, so you will have to live with your tax prep tool throughout that time.
Alternatively, you might want to try IRS Free File. It provides guided tax preparation and fillable forms. You will have to meet certain criteria, though.
If you have money to spare, you may want to ask for help from a tax professional. That way, you get the best guidance for your tax preparation.
